Sleep apnea and narcolepsy both refer to disturbances in the way human beings sleep; simply put, they are both disorders in the pattern of sleep of human beings. Sleep apnea can be explained as some period during which someone ceases breathing when sleeping. Narcolepsy, on the other hand, is a condition that occurs, making a person fall asleep again and again during the daytime.
Narcolepsy is a condition observed among teenagers, while apnea occurs mainly to people who are 40 and above. Sleep apnea is a condition caused by the brain malfunctioning or blockage of the air passage. Narcolepsy is due to the malfunctioning of the nerve cells.
Narcolepsy is basically treated by some kind of therapy, most especially the behavioral therapy. Narcolepsy can also be treated by the use of medicines. Sleep apnea can be treated either by the use of some medications or some dental applications. It can also be treated by carrying out a surgical operation.